Article
Background
In 2020, Amsterdam Fellows Suze van Zijl and Akef Ibrahimi recognized a significant gap in inclusive sex education resources for both children and adults. Suze, as a mother, felt the challenges firsthand, while Akef noted the same issues within their communities. Together, they aimed to create a foundational understanding of the deficiencies in sex education and to develop a more inclusive and holistic approach.
Approach & Methodology
Initially, Suze and Akef considered writing a book on the topic, but they soon realized that understanding their communities’ needs was essential before embarking on such a large project. They decided to initiate conversations within their communities to identify what was truly wanted in terms of sex education. To facilitate this, they organized a talk that allowed participants to share their thoughts and experiences. They received support from Stichting HipHopHuis, their workplace, which provided funding and a space for the event, along with food for attendees. The talk exceeded their expectations, as participants engaged in lengthy discussions well beyond the formal conclusion of the event, highlighting its value.
Next Steps
Encouraged by the positive response, Suze and Akef plan to continue using this talk format to foster ongoing conversations about sex education in their communities. They emphasize the importance of starting small, suggesting that meaningful progress can be made through manageable steps rather than large-scale initiatives. Future efforts may include organizing more discussions, workshops, or events to further explore inclusive sex education and gather more insights from community members.
“Start small. Small steps are wonderful and meaningful. It doesn’t have to be a huge thing.”